Grantee Research Project Results
Zirconium-modified mica coupled with nanobubble for enhanced phosphorus removal, recovery, and reuse
EPA Grant Number: SU840866Title: Zirconium-modified mica coupled with nanobubble for enhanced phosphorus removal, recovery, and reuse
Investigators: Zhang, Lijie , Zhang, Wen
Institution: New Jersey Institute of Technology
EPA Project Officer: Cunniff, Sydney
Phase: I
Project Period: January 1, 2024 through April 25, 2025
Project Amount: $75,000
RFA: 20th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet Request for Applications (RFA) (2023) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil/Water , P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources , Urban Air Toxics
Description:
Excessive discharge of phosphorus (P) into the environment has lead to the eutrophication of waterbodies, imparting aquatic ecosystem functions and jeopardizing both human and ecosystem health. Conversely, the demand for P has increased greatly primarily in agriculture applications, due to population growth and dietary changes. To protect water environments and explore alternative P resources, it is imperative to develop methods for the removal, recovery, and reuse of P from wastewater. Traditional biological wastewater treatment methods could not efficiently remove organic P compounds (e.g., phosphonates). Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) are recognized as promising technologies for phosphonate degradation. However, these processes often require extensive use of chemicals (e.g., persulfate, hydrogen peroxide), and subsequent treatment is still necessary to address inorganic P. Innovative and environmentally sustainable approaches are needed to combat P related isues.
Objective:
This project proposes an integrated method by coupling novel sorbents with oxygen (O2) nanobubbles (NBs) to achieve phosphonate degradation and phosphate adsorption simultaneously as well as their reuse as slow-release fertilizers. The proposed research activities will investigate (1) modification of mica minerals with zirconium (Zr) and assessment of enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by combination of ferrous Fe(II)-bearing mineral with O2 NBs; (2) evaluation of simultaneous degradation of organic phosphonate and adsorption of inorganic P species from wastewater by coupling sorbent and O2 NBs; and (3) evaluation of the desorption of P from the P-laden mica sorbents as slow-release fertilizers.
Expected Results:
The expected research outputs include data dissemination through peer-reviewed journal publications, patent applications, and conference presentations; design and demonstration of novel P management process; technology transfer and student education and training. The potential outcomes of the project are the proof of concept in utilizing modified mica minerals coupled with O2 NBs to simultaneously degrade organic P species, recover it from wastewater, and reuse as slow-release fertilizers for sustainable wastewater P management. These research outcomes will not only tackle the challenges in removal/recovery of P from wastewater to reduce excessive P discharge to aquatic ecosystems and prevent health/economic damages associated with eutrophication, but also benefit the increasing demands for P resource.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
wastewater treatment, green material, nanobubbles, phosphonate, resource recoveryProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.